Leandro Castan: Roma youngster Marquinhos will be a champion

Roma defender Leandro Castan has paid tribute to his junior central defensive partner Marquinhos, who has quickly become an important player at the Stadio Olimpico.

Marquinhos, 18, only arrived in Italy this summer from Corinthians, along with left-back Dodo and Castan himself. Despite his age, he has since gone on to start eight of Roma's 14 league fixtures and has been an ever-present in recent weeks—even keeping Castan out the side on occasion.

"I did not expect it, he has played with incredible personality," Castan told Sky Sports Italia. "I played five games with him at Corinthians and I am proud to participate in the beginning of his career. He will be a champion."

Regarding the Brazil National Team, with whom he has been a regular since his move to Italy in the summer, Castán added his approval of the recent appointment of Luis Felipe Scolari:

"I expected it. He is a big name who won the World Cup with the Seleção. We expect to do a good job in 2014 and we expect to win, together.

"It will be difficult to get there, though, there are good defenders in Brazil."